KC aiming for record fifth consecutive 4x400m win at Penns

Richard Smith, head coach of Kingston College (KC), is confident his team can create history at this year's Penn Relays, as they target an unprecedented fifth consecutive high school boys' 4x400m Championship of America title.

The meet is scheduled for April 23-25 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, where KC will enter as defending champions after an outstanding run that has seen them dominate the event in recent years.

Last year, the North Street-based school delivered a remarkable performance to secure their fourth straight title and fifth overall in a blistering time of 3:05.93, the second fastest ever recorded at the championships. Only Calabar High's 3:03.79 has gone faster than KC.

CONFIDENT

Despite finishing second in the 4x400m relay at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships last month, Smith noted that his athletes have regrouped and are ready to rise to the occasion.

"I am feeling confident that we can defend our title and create history by being the first high school to win five straight 4x400 relays titles at the Penn Relays," said Smith.

"The boys are very confident for this one and despite us not winning the 4x400 relay at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Championships, they have gotten over that and they are holding their heads high and they are looking forward to the Penn Relays Championships."

KC clocked 3:08.68 to finish second at Champs behind Jamaica College, who won in 3:08.18.

Smith pointed out that while the team will be without former standouts Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose, who have both graduated, the squad still retains a strong core. He stated that returning athletes Jabulani McLeod, Markel Smith and Jordan Rehedul are expected to play key roles, alongside the outstanding Jason Pitter and Jahvaine Tyrell.

"This is not really a different team that we will be taking because some of the boys who won last year are still here, and so they are very eager and ready to go out and showcase their talents in front of the rest of the world," Smith said.

He also underscored expecting stiff competition from both local and international rivals, but insisted that his team is prepared for the challenge.

"It is going to be very competitive because the high schools in America will be coming for the title and also the schools in Jamaica as well, and so we will have challenges on both sides. But we are ready for the competition."

KC are also down to compete in the 4x100m and 4x800m relays, respectively.